DECEMBER 2016
I'LL
BE HOME
For
CHRIST MAS YOU HELP MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE
THE THRILL OF HOPE
You Give T he m A R ea s on to B elie ve
REV. GLENN CRANFIELD
President and CEO
NOW MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING, THAT YOU MAY ABOUND IN HOPE BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. ROM AN S 1 5 : 1 3 N K J V
E
ven when it looks a lot like Christmas, sometimes it doesn’t feel that way. This is especially true for so many of the men, women, and children we serve. Regardless of what brought them through our doors, we welcome them with open arms. We are here to say to them, “Jesus loves you. You have value, worth, and dignity. Your life matters. He has a plan and purpose for your life. We will come alongside you to help you while you find your way.” I would imagine Christmas is especially hard when you’re a kid facing homelessness. You’re probably assuming, because your family has to stay at a homeless shelter, that it’s going to be a really bad Christmas.
But, it is in moments like this we can help these children and their moms realize how special they are. It’s a chance to let them see how much this community loves and appreciates them and wants them to have a special Christmas, even though they’re facing some pretty big challenges. I’m so thankful you are up for this kind of challenge. As you faithfully support the work of Nashville Rescue Mission, you make the thrill of hope possible not just at Christmas, but every day. You give kids facing some of the most difficult of circumstances a reason to smile, dream, and believe for a better future. Because of you, they have hope.
GIVE THE GIFT OF HOPE C O N S I D E R A Y E A R-E N D C H A R I TA B L E G I F T Will you consider being a part of Nashville Rescue Mission’s efforts to help the homeless by making your year-end gift today? It’s an investment in our community that makes a difference in many lives. Contact Cheryl, Senior Director of Development, by phone at 615-780-9488 or by email at cdavis@nashvillerescuemission.org with any questions. 2 HEART of the MISSION / December 2016
Mission
IN MY WORDS
Even though it was all around me, faith wasn’t something I inherited from my family. Despite never doubting I was a Christian, at the age of 22, I realized I had no idea what it meant to have a relationship with the Lord. Moving to Nashville was a dream come true. I was halfway through my first record when I performed at the Grand Ole Opry. I was on an emotional high—but afterwards, I felt empty. I thought the experience would satisfy me, but it didn’t. It was the next day that I ran into John, a friend I’d grown up with. We had spent time together in church, so I was taken aback when he grabbed me and with such conviction said, “Mo, Jesus has saved me! And I love Him.” Hearing him say that with such passion scared me. In that moment, I realized I didn’t know Him like John knew Him. I didn’t eat or sleep much for the next week. I started reading my Bible every day. The more I read, the worse I felt. I had never experienced conviction like that. I wondered how this loving God could forgive me for the years I had rejected the Gospel and taken Him for granted. “FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, I F E LT A R E A L , L I V I N G G O D. I F E LT R E A L L O V E .” It was after reading Psalm 107 that things changed, “… because they rebelled against the words of God, and despised the counsel of the Most High, therefore He brought down their heart with labor; they fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses …” For the first time in my life, I felt a real, living God. I felt real love. He cracked my heart open and made me brand new. God had ordered my steps and prepared me to run into John that day. It was my chance to get it right. It wasn’t long after that I was invited to participate in the Music with a Mission event in 2015 to benefit Nashville Rescue Mission. Ironically, my grandfather Rev. G.O. Pitney helped establish Rockford Rescue Mission back in the 1960s. Although I wasn’t involved in his work, I do have memories of a big room filled with cots for the men
to sleep on. This gave me some idea as to the work the Mission was doing. Had this invitation come before I was born-again, the old me would probably have taken my grandfather’s name and made a big deal about me for something he did. Instead, I’ve caught what my grandfather had … and that’s the spirit of God. That’s what Nashville Rescue Mission is all about— Christ and what He’s doing and has done in the lives of people who have come to know Him. This year I jumped at the chance to be a part of Music with a Mission, and to be a part of this family. I want to honor those who have given their life to do this type of work, like my grandfather. I know it requires enormous sacrifice. So it was my privilege to do that by sharing a gift that is easy for me to give … the gift of music. I know if God could take my heart of stone and turn it into a heart that beats for Him, He can redeem anyone. This is the message the Mission boldly proclaims and makes real in very tangible ways—they give hope to those in need. Our city is all the better for the work Nashville Rescue Mission does each and every day.
ABOUT THE ARTIST Music was a family affair, and Pitney picked up the drums at six and guitar at 12. He signed with Curb and began working on bringing his songs and sound into alignment with his musical vision. To paraphrase one of his songs, a life in music is not a place on a map; it is a place in Mo Pitney’s heart. December 2016 / HEART of the MISSION 3
BE HOME L L ' I
For
CHRIST MAS YOU HELP MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE
After spending more than a year at Nashville Rescue Mission, Tanisha is finally able to say, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” No longer is the idea of moving into a home with her children a dream— in fact, because of you it is a reality. “I was 17 years old when my mom died,” said Tanisha. “I pretty much grew up without any parents. My mom was a drug addict, and my dad was never in the picture. Shortly after my mom died, I gave birth to my first child. I got married really young. But when my baby was four years old, her father took her and left me. It broke my heart. I haven’t seen her in 12 years.” Life has not been easy for Tanisha. She went on to have four more children and spent eight years with their father before becoming a single mom. “Their dad chose a life on the streets over his children. He was abusive towards me. I wanted better for me and my kids.” 4 HEART of the MISSION / December 2016
EFFORTS TO RECEIVE HELP from her family fell on
deaf ears. “My sisters didn’t want to help. I was desperate and didn’t have anyone to turn to. I attempted suicide years ago, but my children and a lot of prayer saved me. I wasn’t about to give up. I called every shelter inside and outside of Nashville before I found Nashville Rescue Mission. No one was willing to help me—a mom with four kids. I don’t know where I would have gone were it not for the Mission. I would probably have lost my kids.” With three children in school (9, 8, and 5) and one less than a year old, Tanisha faced a number of challenges living in a shelter. “When we first got to the Mission, I was so scared,” recalled Tanisha. “I didn’t know what to expect. I think I cried for a week straight before I got into the routine of things. Once I got over the initial shock, I realized it wasn’t as bad as I thought. We were safe. We were well fed. The staff was great—always willing to help.” TANISHA DISCOVERED raising her kids in this type of
environment would prove to be extremely difficult. “It was
hard,” she said. “We had good days and bad days. I know the kids changed while we were staying at the Mission. They went from being quiet to at times being somewhat disrespectful. I tried explaining to them it was only temporary. But that’s expecting a lot from little kids to understand our situation. There was not a lot of space or privacy, but we stayed safe and that’s what matters most.” While at the Mission, Tanisha experienced community in new ways. “I have family now. Something I never really had before. I made friends—lots of friends. It took me a while to realize that I didn’t have to keep running, living with different people, moving from place to place. For me, the Mission became a place where I could try to get my life the way I wanted it to be.”
As strange as it sounds, it was really good for my family. It brought us closer together. The people around me were saying, ‘You’re a different person now. You didn’t use to smile. Now it seems like you can’t stop smiling.’ I tell them I’m happy, because I have hope.”
“I DON’T KNOW WHERE I W O U L D H AV E G O N E W E R E I T N O T F O R T H E M I S S I O N .” Along with the challenges came lots of questions. “I questioned God when I got to the Mission,” said Tanisha. “I was angry. I was mad. I cried out to God asking, ‘Why did you put me in this situation? What’s my purpose of being here?’ Over time I started reading my Bible—every day—in front of my children. At every meal, we would sit down together, we would pray together, and we would talk.
ON THIS DAY, Tanisha is filled with more than just
hope—she is filled with joy. This Christmas, she will be celebrating the holidays at home surrounded by her children.“I'm extremely grateful for the help I received,” exclaimed Tanisha. “Thank you! I’m so excited about our future. Next on my list is to get my high school diploma so I can get a good job and provide for me and my kids. Life just keeps getting better.”
As Tanisha and her four children celebrate Christmas this year in their home and not on the streets, or in a shelter, or sleeping on someone’s couch, take a minute to savor this moment and rejoice in the fact that with your help, she and others like her are finding a safe place to rest in the midst of their trials. Because of you, homeless women and mothers with children have a place they can turn to not just on holidays, but every day. And in the sanctuary of shelter, they can find hope. Because of you … hope lives here. WA N T T O H E L P M A K E D R E A M S C O M E T R U E ?
Visit nashvillerescuemission.org to find out how you can help give to those in need this holiday.
December 2016 / HEART of the MISSION 5
Play for God and Play it Loud MINISTRY THROUGH MUSIC
The Boogie Woogie Jesus Project (BWJP) began their musical journey as a product of playing together at a prison ministry in the fall of 2009. “The chemistry was instant,” said Dave Beigert (B3 Organ, Piano, Vocals), co-founder of BWJP. “Our combined years of professional experience in the music industry performing for artists such as Chris Cagle, Sara Evans, The Doobie Brothers, and more makes for a unique blend of soul tapping songs where audiences want to jump, shout, and sing it out loud.” Dave first learned of Nashville Rescue Mission through Michael Del Giorno, talk radio host on 99.7 WTN. “I guess you could say Michael is an admirer of our work, as much as we are admirers of his,” said Dave. “He has a passion for what the Mission is doing in our community and had mentioned it to me on numerous occasions.” It wasn’t until a chance meeting at a Covenant Confirmers church service that the opportunity to 6 HEART of the MISSION / December 2016
perform at the Mission took shape. “In ways only God can ordain, I met Eric Grindeland, senior director of guest services ministries for the Mission,” recalls Dave. “He was able to tell me more about the work being done and invited us to come out.” That was five years ago, and ever since, BWJP looks forward to the five or six times a year they are able to perform for the guests who stay at the Men’s Campus. “With our schedules it is sometimes a challenge to coordinate, but it is one gig we all look forward to and make every effort to be a part of. We are blessed with several other talented musicians who will sub if one of us is unable to attend.” WHILE EACH OF THE BAND MEMBERS has their own ‘day’ job, they are all committed to the mission God has for them. “BWJP allows us to combine our talents and love of the Lord to bring pure enjoyment to audiences through an amazing musical experience,” said Dave. “In the case
of performing for the men at the Mission, we know we are exactly where God wants us. It’s a joy to see the men stand up, sing along, and celebrate with us. I think it blesses us more than it does them.” There is a real sense of camaraderie among the group. “Performing together is about more than just music, it’s about using our gifts to give back and bless others,” shared Dave.
“IT’S A JOY TO SEE THE MEN STAND UP, SING ALONG, AND CELEBRATE WITH US. I THINK IT BLESSES US MORE THAN IT DOES THEM.” FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS, BWJP has performed a show for the men at the Mission on the Friday night before Christmas. “I can’t think of a better audience to share the message of hope and joy that Jesus brings than to those who are hungry, homeless, and hurting,” said Dave. “Especially when they live right here in our own backyard.” “When BWJP performs at the Mission, I hate to say it, but it’s almost as if another 50 to 75 men become homeless,” said Mike Tatar, lead case manager at the Mission. “Word travels fast in this community, and many of the men who might otherwise sleep under a bridge or on a park bench will make their way in when they know
Christmas wish list HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP MAKE CHRISTMAS MERRY & BRIGHT FOR THOSE IN NEED: PURCHASE A GIFT OFF THE CHRISTMAS WISH LIST
download at nashvillerescuemission.org
ORGANIZE A TOY DRIVE OR STOCKING PARTY AT YOUR CHURCH OR WORKPLACE GET CREATIVE AND GATHER YOUR FRIENDS TO THROW A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE MISSION
BWJP is performing during a chapel service. These men may come to hear some great music, but they also receive a message of hope that is rooted in Christ … and more than anything, that has the power to transform a life.” The Mission is blessed to have volunteers such as BWJP who look for unique and interesting ways to use their time and talents to give back to those in need. If you would like to learn more about ways you too can give back, please visit: nashvillerescuemission.org/get-involved
WOMEN Granola bars/healthy snacks Restaurant gift certificates Women’s clothing
Hats/gloves/scarves Purses/tote bags Socks/underwear (sizes 6-13)
CHILDREN Learning toys/books Musical toys Baby toys (teething rings)
Infant & children clothing Socks/underwear Teen clothing
MEN Toothbrush/toothpaste Underwear (large-4XL) Hats/scarves/gloves
Warm winter socks Sports-team blankets Coats (winter & rain)
This list contains only a sample of items from the Wish List. * For the purpose of this list, we request all items be new. December 2016 / HEART of the MISSION 7
C
LIVES YOU HAVE TOUCHED
W E AT H E OLD R
needs List With cold temperatures on the way, the Mission is gearing up to protect our city’s homeless population from the elements.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED: • • • • • •
Coats Hooded Sweatshirts Flannel Shirts Winter Gloves Winter Shoes & Boots Thermal or Fleece Tops & Bottoms
DONATION DROP-OFFS
• • • • • •
Heavy Socks Hats & Scarves Hand & Foot Warmers Backpacks Lip Balm Blankets, Sheets, & Towels
MISSION DONATION CENTER
MON. - SAT.
616 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
October 2016
Daily Avg.
Monthly
Meals Served
1,748
54,175
Nights of Lodging
874
27,088
Chapel Attendance
630
19,545
Education Hours
117
3,623
Bible Class Attendance
38
1,177
Decisions & Prayers
28
870
Volunteer Hours
130
4,023
Travel n/a Assistance
87
Program n/a Graduates
14
is a proud member of
GIVE A SPECIAL
Holiday Gift IN HONOR OF SOMEONE YOU LOVE
PLEASE USE THE ENCLOSED
“A Gift Has Been Made in Your Honor” Card
639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203 615-255-2475 | nashvillerescuemission.org